Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Maurice Ravel's piano masterpieces with this exceptional album, released on Nar Classical in 1993. Spanning a rich 77 minutes, this collection showcases Ravel's unparalleled genius and his profound impact on classical and neoclassical music.
The album opens with Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major, a vibrant and spirited piece that sets the stage for the journey ahead. Following this, the enchanting "Valses nobles et sentimentales" takes center stage, a suite of waltzes that beautifully captures Ravel's unique blend of elegance and emotional depth. Each movement, from the moderate and frank first waltz to the intimate and slow final one, offers a distinct mood and atmosphere, showcasing Ravel's mastery of musical storytelling.
The album also features the iconic "Gaspard de la nuit," a challenging and evocative suite inspired by the poetry of Aloysius Bertrand. The three movements—Ondine, Le Gibet, and Scarbo—are each a tour de force, demonstrating Ravel's ability to convey a wide range of emotions and imagery through his music.
As a bonus, the album includes a performance of the Keyboard Sonata in C Major by Baldassare Galuppi, adding a delightful contrast to Ravel's works and highlighting the versatility of the artist.
This album is a testament to Ravel's enduring legacy and his ability to create music that is both technically demanding and deeply expressive. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
Piano Concerto, in G Major, M. 83, IMR 34: I. AllegramenteMaurice Ravel, Orchestra Sinfonica Di Torino Della Rai, Nino Sanzogno, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Piano Concerto, in G Major, M. 83, IMR 34: II. Adagio assaiMaurice Ravel, Orchestra Sinfonica Di Torino Della Rai, Nino Sanzogno, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Piano Concerto, in G Major, M. 83, IMR 34: III. PrestoMaurice Ravel, Orchestra Sinfonica Di Torino Della Rai, Nino Sanzogno, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: I. Modéré, très franc (G Major)Maurice Ravel, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: II. Assez lent, avec une expression intense (G Minor)Maurice Ravel, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: III. Modéré (E Minor)Maurice Ravel, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: IV. Assez animé (A-Flat Major)Maurice Ravel, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: V. Presque lent, dans un sentiment intime (E Major)Maurice Ravel, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: VI. Vif (C Major)Maurice Ravel, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: VII. Moins vif (C Major/A Major)Maurice Ravel, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61, IMR 54: VIII. Épilogue. Lent (G Major)Maurice Ravel, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55, IMR 16: I. Ondine. Lent (C-Sharp Major)Maurice Ravel, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55, IMR 16: II. Le Gibet. Très lent (E-Flat Minor)Maurice Ravel, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55, IMR 16: III. Scarbo. Modéré (B Major)Maurice Ravel, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
BONUS: Keyboard Sonata in C Major, T. 27, IBG 57: I. AndanteBaldassare Galuppi, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
BONUS: Keyboard Sonata in C Major, T. 27, IBG 57: II. AllegroBaldassare Galuppi, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
BONUS: Keyboard Sonata in C Major, T. 27, IBG 57: III. Allegro assaiBaldassare Galuppi, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli